(5cv) From Fundamentals to Functionality

The interactions of rigid and deformable solids and a flowing fluid medium determine behavior and functionality in most biological and industrial systems. These interactions between different phases give rise to a variety of very complex phenomena and hence vital functions such as hearing, smelling, reproduction and threat sensing. Understanding these complex systems is not only important in solving problems with the imminent system but also to create artificial devices that can mimic similar functionality. In my research, I combine simple principles of fluid mechanics and solid mechanics to gain insight into the diverse mechanisms as a result of the fluid-solid interactions in physical and biological systems ranging from hard spheres and polymers to microcapsules and hair cells. My ultimate aim is to solve problems that are relevant to both the scientist in the lab and the broader community using fundamentally sound, state of the art yet simple approaches.

In this session, I will primarily focus on mesoscopic computational methods that help solve the afore-mentioned complex problems in a highly competitive manner and will describe results on some recent exciting problems that have garnered significant attention. These include the migration in dilute polymer solutions; sorting of microcapsules; chemical signaling and self propelled motion; and deformation of viscous and viscoelastic drops.